Kiln making

Jewelry Discussion
1

this may sound crazy, but i’m wondering if one can make a kiln
suitable for enamelling medium sized peices of work (pendants to
12"x12" bowls).

i live in costa rica and kilns are not exactly at the shop around
the corner . . .

thanks in advance for any suggestions! jocelyn

jocelyn broyles
designer
www.jocelynbroyles.com

2

You can enamel without a kiln. Torch enameling is fun and yes, there
can be detail. I have also enameled a vase form about seven inches
high. I used only a single color so if you want pattern on a bowl
form, I don’t have much help to give. However on jewelry scale work,
you can dust your colors on using the usual methods of controlling
where it goes. You can also do wet packing as usual making sure that
all is dry before firing. A walled inclosure of stacked up
firebricks will help with the bigger projects. I use an acetylene
air/type torch.

Marilyn Smith

3

People have been building kilns for thousands of years. Getting one
any other way is a fairly recent innovation! You mainly need
firebrick and “refractory” cement. Plans, instructions and materials
are readily available if you look into sites, supply catalogs, books
and/or magazines aimed at potters. A kiln can be as simple as a
heavy steel can with “blanket” insulation attached to the inside if
it and a heat source, or up to a “climbing” kiln that goes up a
hillside and holds hundreds of pots. And building and using one, as
they say, is not rocket surgery!

–Noel Yovovich

4 
    You can enamel without a kiln. Torch enameling is fun and yes,
there can be detail.

marilyn,

you’re kidding! that’s great news! would you be willing to tell me
more about the process, perhaps offlist (or on if you think others
are interested)? i’m brand new to enamelling and can use all the
experience and expertise i can find.

thanks,
jocelyn